Today is the day that we REALLY start to expect the strident baaaaa of a tiny lamb when we open the big barn doors. Five months ago love was in the air...in the barn .....in the pasture.....(EVERYWHERE !!) when Rodney the ram was turned into the sheep pen to resume his duty as gigolo extraordinaire after his Summer of enforced celibacy. Rodney the ram was not hesitant and if the ewes didn't move fast enough ...and even if they did, they were (at least for a few moments) fortunate ( or unfortunate !) enough to be the recipient of his undivided and very ardent attention. As a consequence of his diligence, we have eleven very rotund "ladies in waiting" looking extremely uncomfortable and ready to burst. Without doubt photos will follow...LOTS of photos....babies never get old and each lambing season is welcomed with new anticipation and excitement. Oh, and, thanks to Grace, Rodney' s exclusive new man cave is ready and waiting to ensure that there will be no unscheduled visits to the harem until next Autumn. We found your grafiti Grace...I didn't find the sheets though. smile
Aside from the pending population explosion in the sheep pen, Tom the turkey is starting to feel Spring. Our turkey Romeo has, by default got three pretty young things on which to shower his love.... and lust. I guess, by the end of the breeding season the poor turkey will be worn out. From dawn to dusk Tom works his magic, his snood transforms into vibrant blue and red, his tail fans and his wings spread and droop in an enticing display of male vanity. Slowly deliberately and elegantly the tom turkey poses himself ..."is this my best side ?". On the far side of the pen the three turkey hens huddle, reluctant to be the focus of his attention but Tom doesn't seem to notice...he knows his time will come...patience Tom, patience.
Yesterday, Justine, a young farm visitor worked the Gentle Giant choral society into a crescendo with all the style and skill of a big band conductor. Waving a long blade of grass and pretty as a picture in pink, Justine sang Jingle Bells.....as the blade of grass rose and fell, as it rose and fell, the band of hens watched, heads moving in unison cackling and clucking (in frustration and annoyance) just waiting for the succulent grass to fall. It will soon be Spring ladies, Spring brings gardening and gardening means weeds...LOTS of weeds. (darn it !!)
Time to post this entry, it's Sunday, I'm living in TOTAL chaos and mayhem....we are remodeling the kitchen....WHY oh WHY is the whole house upside down. Take care, keep safe, M